Behind the myths of the British Empire: Nigel Biggar and Mehdi Hasan

"Britain once ruled over the largest empire in history. For many Britons, it remains a source of pride. Others argue its power was built on a legacy of brutality, colonial conquest and the enslavement of millions. Can Britain reckon with that past and make amends?"

"Some say it shouldn't have to. Mehdi Hasan goes head-to-head with author and Oxford professor emeritus Nigel Biggar on Britain's colonial history, its slavery and the question of reparations."

Britain's historical empire generates significant debate about national identity and moral responsibility. Supporters view the empire as a source of national pride and achievement. Critics counter that imperial power was fundamentally built on violence, colonial domination, and the systematic enslavement of millions. This tension raises fundamental questions about whether Britain should acknowledge and address historical wrongs through reparations or other forms of accountability. The discussion involves competing interpretations of historical events and their contemporary implications for British society, justice, and international relations.

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